Boost your iron intake with these vegan pesto dishes
Spinach is a superfood, rich in iron and essential nutrients. For those on a vegan diet, finding delicious ways to incorporate iron-rich foods can be a delightful challenge. Pesto, traditionally made with basil and pine nuts, offers a perfect canvas for iron-packed spinach. Let's explore five tasty spinach pesto variations that will boost your iron intake and tantalize your taste buds.
Kale and spinach pesto powerhouse
Kale and spinach team up in this iron-rich pesto. Both greens are known for their high iron content and together, they offer an earthy, fresh taste. To prepare, blend a cup of kale with a cup of spinach. Add garlic, lemon juice, walnuts for omega-3s, nutritional yeast for a cheesy essence, and olive oil to unify the flavors.
Sun-dried tomato spinach pesto
Sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy sweetness and more iron to pesto. To make this version, blend these tomatoes with fresh spinach leaves for their iron, garlic cloves for zest, and cashews to add creaminess without dairy. Nutritional yeast flakes contribute a savory flavor, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil helps reach the perfect pesto consistency.
Hemp seed spinach pesto delight
Hemp seeds are an excellent source of plant-based protein and they add a subtle nuttiness to this pesto variation. Combine two cups of fresh spinach leaves with half a cup of hemp seeds in your blender. Add in some garlic for spice along with lemon juice for brightness; finish off with olive oil as you blend until smooth.
Roasted red pepper spinach pesto
Roasted red peppers not only provide vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption, but also give this pesto an irresistible smoky flavor. To prepare it, blend roasted red peppers with fresh spinach leaves along with almonds, which contribute additional healthy fats and texture. Include garlic cloves and finish off by streaming in olive oil as you puree the ingredients into perfection.
Spicy chipotle spinach pesto
For those who like a fiery kick, this spicy pesto variation is ideal. Smoky chipotle peppers blend with spinach's mildness. In a food processor, mix chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with fresh spinach leaves. Add walnuts or pecans for texture and garlic for flavor. As you blend, pour in olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
